Use of drones for non-commercial purposes

The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) has set out legal responsibilities that must be adhered to by all users.

There are two type of IDs you may need before flying a drones or model aircraft outdoors in the UK: A flyer ID shows you have passed the basic flying test. An operator ID, which must be labelled on your drone or model aircraft (this is the person responsible for managing a drone or model aircraft).

The following table states the categories at which a Flyer ID and/or Operator ID is required.

 

                                                                                                        Flyer ID   Operator ID

Below 250g / toy                                                                         x                     x

Below 250g / not a toy / no camera                                 x                     x

Below 250g / not a toy / with camera                             x                     ✓

250g or above                                                                              ✓                    ✓

Events

Drones are becoming increasingly common in outdoor organised or charity events, and operators must be aware of their legal responsibilities.

Mountains

Care should be taken when using drones on mountains due to the high number of hikers. On Yr Wyddfa, all paths to the summit (which are also all Public Rights of Way) are geographically very narrow linear corridors used by a high number of hikers. The summit can be very busy, especially during the summer. More than one drone flying around near each other could cause a considerable public safety concern. Keep your flying time to a minimum to avoid issues.

Please note: The National Trust as a private landowner sets out its own set of guidelines and restrictions for their property, for example, the Ogwen Valley, the Carneddau and Glyderau (including Tryfan). For more information see Flying drones at our places | National Trust and enquire directly with the National Trust for drone use on their property.

Aircraft and helicopters

It should also be kept in mind that there may be other low-flying aircraft in the area, such as Search and Rescue helicopters or aircraft used for military training purposes. Therefore, operators and organisers should think carefully about the use of drones and their potential for serious injury and your potential liabilities in such circumstances.

Animals and wildlife

Operators should also note that drones should not obstruct or disturb livestock, wild animals (including birds), other domestic animals or pets when used in the countryside. Such activity could be subject to different legislation and could lead to prosecution.

Use of drones for commercial purposes

Whether using drones under 25kg or over 25kg, commercial users should obtain a formal UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) qualification, accredited by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), and operators must obtain the relevant permission from the landowner.

You will also need Public Liability Insurance and Aviation Liability Insurance cover. Where necessary, evidence of these documents should be presented. Eryri National Park Authority (ENPA) kindly requests that all organisers discuss their activities with relevant Authority staff beforehand to avoid any difficulties.

Permission and licensing will be required to use drones on ENPA property, such as on the summit of Yr Wyddfa or other ENPA owned areas such as car parks. This can be arranged through ENPA’s Property Department at the National Park Office in Penrhyndeudraeth.

Please note: The National Park Authority owns less than 1% of the total land within the Eryri designation. Majority of that land being the summit of Yr Wyddfa and car parks. The National Park Authority can only provide permission for commercial use of drones on Authority owned land.

Basic rules for using drones in Eryri National Park
  • The drone or model aircraft should not endanger anyone or anything. Even small drones and model aircraft could injure people if you don’t fly them safely.
  • Your drone or model aircraft must never be more than 120m from the closest point of the Earth’s surface.
  • Do not fly closer to people than 50m. This includes people in buildings and transport, including cars, lorries, trains, and boats.
    • The rule on minimum distances is different for people involved in what you’re doing: You can fly closer than 50m to people who are with you and who are involved in what you’re doing, such as friends, family or colleagues out flying with you.
    • The rules on minimum distances to people are different for drones and model aircraft below 250g. If you are flying a drone or model aircraft that’s below 250g, you can fly closer to people than 50m and you can fly over them. 
  • Never fly over people who are crowded together, no matter what size of drone or model aircraft you have. A crowd is any group of people who cannot move away quickly because of the number of other people around them.
  • Owners and operators should have, where necessary, the relevant licensing requirements
  • Operators should heed any requirements under the Data Protection Act for the collection, use, distribution and storage of any images/film
  • Avoid taking close-up footage of sheep, lambs, cattle (especially with calves), or feral goats. They may panic and fall off cliffs, and you could be held liable.
  • Do not fly and film anywhere near protected species such as any birds, their nests (all nest sites are also protected by law) or other wild animals. Such activities fall under other legislation and may result in prosecution.
  • Keep your flying time to a minimum to avoid disturbing other visitors’ peace and quiet. Do not to `buzz` the summit area.
  • Be aware of low-flying aircraft in the area, such as Search and Rescue helicopters or Ministry of Defence aircraft. If you see them, ground your drone immediately to prevent serious injury and potential liability.
  • For some areas such as SSSI’s (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and NNR’s (National Nature Reserves), flying may have byelaws in place with restrictions for flying where flight may disturb animals or wildlife. For further advice please contact NRW (Natural Resources Wales) via the following link Natural Resources Wales / Apply to use land we manage and follow any restrictions that apply.
More information

For further information about using drones in Eryri, please contact the National Park Authority or visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.

For general advice:

Access Officer: Peter.Rutherford@eryri.llyw.cymru or  01766 772258 / 07900267538

Sustainable Tourism Officer: Dana.Williams@eryri.llyw.cymru or 01766 772505 / 07900267534

For Commercial use – permissions and licensing:

Property Officer: Edward.Jones@eryri.llyw.cymru or  01766 772266 – 07900 267530

Civil Aviation Authority website